A City Transformed by Cinema
September in Venice marks the arrival of the annual film festival, a long-standing fixture on the global cultural calendar. While the main events occur at the Lido and the Hotel Excelsior, the social side of the festival acts as an essential pillar of the experience. These evening gatherings occur across historic five-star hotels lining the Grand Canal, offering a distinct Venetian atmosphere for industry professionals and public figures alike.
The DVF Awards and Tribute
The Teatro Goldoni hosted the 17th edition of the DVF Awards this past Thursday. The event gained extra weight due to the death of Gloria Steinem at age 92 earlier that day. Organizers dedicated the ceremony to the feminist leader who received an award in 2014. The honorees for 2026 included actress Jane Fonda, French activist Gisèle Pelicot, and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. Photojournalist Lynsey Addario and Kenyan entrepreneur Wawira Njiru also received honors. The room full of attendees focused on active work, drawing inspiration from Steinem’s career. The selection of these women underscores a specific definition of advocacy in the current era.
High-Profile Gatherings at the Gritti Palace
The Aman hotel and the Gritti Palace served as stages for major industry events during the festival week. Aman Beverly Hills teamed up with the Golden Globes on Friday night for a private event in a suite overlooking the canal. Guests like Emma Corrin and Pamela Anderson attended, sampling cocktails made with gin and local herbs. Meanwhile, Cartier marked its fifth year as a primary festival sponsor at the Gritti Palace. Amal Clooney attended the event, wearing a red chiffon gown and jewelry from the brand. She noted the sentimental value of the location, where she and George Clooney held their wedding. The intersection of luxury brand promotion and personal celebrity milestones defines the current social tempo of the event.
Miu Miu and the Art of the Dinner
Miu Miu held its annual dinner at Ca' Corner della Regina to showcase its Women’s Tales film series. The event brought together filmmakers such as Chloé Zhao, Laura Poitras, and Kaouther Ben Hania. Miuccia Prada hosted the table, joined by various industry figures including Susan Sarandon and Luca Guadagnino. The dinner environment facilitated informal exchanges between directors and actors, far removed from the formal atmosphere of press junkets. Many guests remained at the venue past midnight despite early morning commitments for screenings.
Philanthropy at the Hilton Molino Stucky
The amfAR gala concluded the week’s major festivities on Sunday at the Hilton Molino Stucky on the island of Giudecca. The nonprofit focuses on HIV/AIDS research and prevention. Auctioneer Simon de Pury led the event, which featured items such as a Warhol painting and Chopard jewelry. Pamela Anderson and Marina Abramovic accepted awards during the evening. Anderson spoke about her history with hepatitis C and the necessity of equitable access to medical cures. The event raised nearly $3 million. This total represents a significant contribution to the organization’s ongoing medical research programs, closing the festival on a note of tangible impact.